Sunderland are set to be the worst-hit European club by player departures for the Africa Cup of Nations, losing six first-team players to the tournament. The Premier League side, currently eighth in the table, will be without Congolese duo Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki, Mozambican full-back Reinildo, Malian midfielder Habib Diarra, and attackers Chemsdine Talbi of Morocco and Bertrand Traore of Burkina Faso.
The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco this Sunday and runs until January 18, disrupting domestic leagues across Europe. Fourteen other Premier League clubs are also affected, with Liverpool losing Mohamed Salah, and Manchester United seeing Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo depart. Diallo scored in Monday's thrilling 4-4 draw against Bournemouth before leaving.
France contributes the largest contingent of players, with 51 from Ligue 1 clubs, but the impact is lessened as Ligue 1 is on its winter break until January 2. Across other major leagues, 21 players from Serie A, 18 from the Bundesliga, and 15 from LaLiga are competing. The Confederation of African Football moved the start date earlier and allowed clubs to release players just seven days prior to ease disruption.
